How and Why Humans Form Groups: A Solution to Us vs. Them

How and why do humans form groups? How does othering and division take hold, and why do people move from us and them to us versus them? Understanding the ways we’re wired for belonging can help us understand these dynamics, as well as pinpoint divisions and opportunities for healthy belonging in our work and our communities.

This session will explore these concepts and more through an interactive mixture of personal reflection and small- and large-group exercises and discussion. We will draw on cross-disciplinary research from fields such as social psychology and cognitive neuroscience, as well as the field of international peacebuilding, and we’ll share insights from new research on belonging. Participants will use their own experiences and knowledge to deepen an understanding of these concepts and apply them to their work and contexts.